Substitute this for a starchy meal centered around bread, rice or pasta, which can be snooze-inducing. / Renee Comet/USA WEEKEND

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When you need a real power-lunch, one that will satisfy you but keep you alert and on your toes, there is no better way to go than a salad packed with lean protein and crisp vegetables.

Why lean protein? A meal packed with starches (like bread, rice and pasta) can trigger the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that makes you feel relaxed and sleepy. Protein blocks that effect, which leaves you sharper and more energized. Salads containing poultry, seafood, beans and lean cuts of meat are also light and easy to digest, so they prevent the nap-inducing effects caused by a big, heavy meal.

This fresh salad of crunchy snow peas, succulent shrimp and peppery radishes, tossed in a deeply flavorful Asian-style sesame dressing, hits just the right note. It is quick and easy to prepare, full of exciting flavors and textures, and has all the ingredients to keep you clear-headed and content. Enjoy it with a slice of whole-grain bread or a few brown-rice crackers. Power on!

Bring a large saucepan of water, fitted with a steamer basket, to a boil. Put the snow peas into the steamer basket, cover and cook for 2 minutes. Transfer the snow peas into a bowl of ice water briefly to cool. Drain and pat dry.

Add the shrimp directly into the pot of boiling water. Return the water to a boil, cook the shrimp for 2 minutes, then drain. Plunge the shrimp into a bowl of ice water until cool, then drain and pat dry.

Slice each shrimp in half lengthwise to form 2 thin rounds. Cut the snow peas on a diagonal into ½-inch diamond shapes, discarding the end piece. In a large bowl, toss together the shrimp, snow peas, radishes and scallions.

In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, canola oil, sesame oil, ginger and salt.

Right before serving, pour the dressing over the salad, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and toss until they are evenly distributed.

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Ellie Krieger is host of the The Food Network’s hit show “Healthy Appetite,” which airs on The Cooking Channel. The author of three cookbooks, her latest is Comfort Food Fix: Feel Good Favorites Made Healthy. A registered dietitian, Ellie has helped out with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign and has teamed up with New York City SchoolFood initiative, where she created healthy, delicious menu items for students citywide.

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Recipe: Shrimp and Snow Pea Salad

When you need a real power-lunch, one that will satisfy you but keep you alert and on your toes, there is no better way to go than a salad packed with lean protein and crisp vegetables.